Trucks & Trailers - School me on ford F250s

Im going to start looking at trucks in the next few months. I want something with good towing capacity and plenty of room. I have always been a GMC man, but I am considering the ford F250. I will be looking in the used market not at brand new trucks. Here are a few things I need to know:

What is an acceptable mileage for a moderately used truck? 100k miles seems like a lot but what kind of life expectancy can I expect from a diesel?

Are there any years/models to avoid? Seems every manufacturer has a few lemons in the crowd.

What engine(s) are considered the best? I have never owned a diesel and don't know where to start to be honest.

I want a crew cab, fairly low mileage, leather seats, etc. not sure which trim package yet but it will be decked out or close to it. Anyway I'm just getting started, I'm very new to these trucks, and I will gladly take any and all advice.

Oh yeah, GMC or Ford??? ;? :grin: :roll

your just tryin to increase your post count:grin:

:jk:

i have nothin better to offer to this thread

You definitely want to avoid the 6.0L engines. Not sure about the 6.4. Most of us with the new 6.7L engines are raving about them. I have not heard of any rashes of problems with them since they came out on the 2011 and now 2012 models. I have a 2011 and it is one quiet, but powerful truck. It pulls my boat which grosses over eight with the trailer loaded with ease. 10 mpg towing that. 18-20 on the hwy with no trailer.

Be prepared to do a lot of reading.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

I have a 2001 F250 crew cab, 4x4, 7.3 liter diesel (I bought it new), now has 88k miles. I previously had Chevy trucks. If you can find one with about 100 to 150k miles, buy it. You cannot go wrong. The 7.3 is probably the most solid diesel Ford ever put in these trucks. They didn't build it - it's a Navistar (International) engine. There are literally millions of them still in daily service as T444s in delivery and box trucks. Not uncommon for this motor to go 250-300k plus with no major hiccups. Not a huge powerhouse motor, but solid as a rock and will tow anything.

I'd love to have a new 6.7 F250, but can't wrap my head around the close to $60k price tag to replace what I already have. Also not keen on the urea recharging and ULSD. I tow in Mexico and it never misses a beat running on Pemex diesel. It's run on Pemex the better part of its life.

Be prepared to do a lot of reading.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

Yeah I know I was hoping to avoid all the technical jargon and get the quick and dirty on what to look for and more importantly what to avoid

your just tryin to increase your post count:grin:

:jk:

i have nothin better to offer to this thread

Hush your face you'll probably end up benefiting from this too :grin: how else am I gonna pull my 36? :thumbsup:

Hush your face you'll probably end up benefiting from this too :grin: how else am I gonna pull my 36? :thumbsup:

like the way your thinkin. 2500 will pull the 36, seen it done

I have a 2001 F250 crew cab, 4x4, 7.3 liter diesel (I bought it new), now has 88k miles. I previously had Chevy trucks. If you can find one with about 100 to 150k miles, buy it. You cannot go wrong. The 7.3 is probably the most solid diesel Ford ever put in these trucks. They didn't build it - it's a Navistar (International) engine. There are literally millions of them still in daily service as T444s in delivery and box trucks. Not uncommon for this motor to go 250-300k plus with no major hiccups. Not a huge powerhouse motor, but solid as a rock and will tow anything.

I'd love to have a new 6.7 F250, but can't wrap my head around the close to $60k price tag to replace what I already have. Also not keen on the urea recharging and ULSD. I tow in Mexico and it never misses a beat running on Pemex diesel. It's run on Pemex the better part of its life.

What kind of towing numbers are you seeing? One reason I am considering a diesel is to avoid getting such a huge drop in mileage when I hook to my boat.

I have them all. If your going used stick with GM. Tranny is bullet proof if you do a Duramax. And engine is great too. I have put 200k on 2 Duramaxes and only did brake once and 2 batteries. Never went to shop except oil change. Currently i have the Ford 7.3 & a 6.0 both are decent but both have had tranny's at around 100k. My 2011 GMC with the Duramax has 44k on it and not an issue. I just bought a 2012 Ford with the new 6.7 and i have to say it is a nice puller and hope it is what all the hype is saying. Good luck with your find.:thumbsup:

What kind of towing numbers are you seeing? One reason I am considering a diesel is to avoid getting such a huge drop in mileage when I hook to my boat.

Not stellar by any means. Probably about 13-15 mpg. Towing a ProKat 2860WA on a triple axle trailer. But it gets there and back, even in the extreme desert heat.

what's your budget? This makes all the difference in opinions.

Brand new? They are all good.

$20-$30k? Duramax, no question.

$15k? old 7.3.

Notice I didn't say dodge. I think they are over priced. In each area, there are better trucks for the money.

what's your budget? This makes all the difference in opinions.

Brand new? They are all good.

$20-$30k? Duramax, no question.

$15k? old 7.3.

Notice I didn't say dodge. I think they are over priced. In each area, there are better trucks for the money.

Good point 20-30k preferably 25k or less. I think that will be enough. And I'm sorta surprised to see some duramax fans. What year range and engine?

Recommend you stay away from 2003-2006 Fanythings with the 6.0 motor. Has a bad rep all over the internet. The older 7.3's are great and command a high resale value. Ford has also had both 6.4 and 6.7 motors in the past four years, and the emission stuff they put on complicates everything.

I'm a Ford guy, but would seriously consider a GM Duramax if I were in the market. There's little difference between the F250/350 and I would go for the 350 if I were you, or the 3500 in GM.

In that range you're looking at 5.9 Cummins/6.0 Fords/6.6 LBZ/LMM Duramax.

The duramax is a no brainer in this range.

The cummins is comparably slow and you will buy a year older for the same money. Trans is a weak point.

The 6.0 is nothing you want anything to do with. Fords worst diesel. $3k minimum to make it reliable.

The LLY/LBZ in 06-7.5 is the old body style GM with the 6 speed Allison. The LLY for 06 is a detuned LBZ. Simple update and you're at the LBZ 360/650 tune. 07.5 got the new body style and the LMM, which is a LBZ with the emissions(DPF). The Allison is far superior to any trans made to date in the diesels. The 06 and up LLY/LBZ/LLM etc are no problem diesels.

The compromise on the Silverado is the interior space. It's the smallest of the group.


For the money you are going to spend, I'd be looking at a 07.5 Silverado. You should be able to find a very good mile crew cab/4wd with all the good stuff for right around $30k.

I have a 06 LBZ Silverado. $24k for it last year. 75k miles. CC/4wd/power. Basic mods. 4" exhaust/intake/EFILive/EGR block.

In that range you're looking at 5.9 Cummins/6.0 Fords/6.6 LBZ/LMM Duramax.

The duramax is a no brainer in this range.

The cummins is comparably slow and you will buy a year older for the same money. Trans is a weak point.

The 6.0 is nothing you want anything to do with. Fords worst diesel. $3k minimum to make it reliable.

The LLY/LBZ in 06-7.5 is the old body style GM with the 6 speed Allison. The LLY for 06 is a detuned LBZ. Simple update and you're at the LBZ 360/650 tune. 07.5 got the new body style and the LMM, which is a LBZ with the emissions(DPF). The Allison is far superior to any trans made to date in the diesels. The 06 and up LLY/LBZ/LLM etc are no problem diesels.

The compromise on the Silverado is the interior space. It's the smallest of the group.


For the money you are going to spend, I'd be looking at a 07.5 Silverado. You should be able to find a very good mile crew cab/4wd with all the good stuff for right around $30k.

I have a 06 LBZ Silverado. $24k for it last year. 75k miles. CC/4wd/power. Basic mods. 4" exhaust/intake/EFILive/EGR block.

Ok I have a feeling this is great information but forgive my ignorance I don't understand it! :rofl: can you explain those acronyms please. What does 07.5 mean?

2006 2007 2007.5 They switched over mid year 2007 to the new body style.

Good point 20-30k preferably 25k or less. I think that will be enough. And I'm sorta surprised to see some duramax fans. What year range and engine?

They are all good from 01 to present. Dont hesitate on any year. Some say injectors had problems on 05 but i never saw it first hand. I loved my 02 and 05. I liked 05 better than my 11.

2006 2007 2007.5 They switched over mid year 2007 to the new body style.

And lly llm lbz?

And lly llm lbz?

those are engine names.

These are all 6.6 Duramaxs.

04-05..LLY..true LLY. Some where "known" for eating injectors and had a cooling issue. Injectors are big money on all diesels.

06..LLY/LBZ...same LBZ engine different tune. No issues.

07..LBZ..no issues

07.5..LLM. No issues but they require a DPF filter for emmisions.

Here's a good link.
http://www.duramaxdieselspecs.com/compare_duramax.html

I been looking for the past month for a truck with low mileage and decent price. They are hard to find.

You've asked some pretty general questions, and it's a little difficult to answer without more specifics.

I want something with good towing capacity and plenty of room. I have always been a GMC man, but I am considering the ford F250. I will be looking in the used market not at brand new trucks. Here are a few things I need to know: All brands of 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks have plenty of room and good towing capacity.

What is an acceptable mileage for a moderately used truck? 100k miles seems like a lot but what kind of life expectancy can I expect from a diesel? With proper maintenance, a modern diesel p/u will have a realistic 400,000 mile engine life. Transmissions are the weak spot, and any tranny used for towing needs an additional tranny cooler or larger OEM cooler. My 03 F250 diesel has 102K miles, and I consider the 7.3 engine to be just broken in. I have a D-P power programmer on my truck, and it's putting out 700 ft. lbs. of torque--and it is incredibly fast for such a large vehicle.

Are there any years/models to avoid? Seems every manufacturer has a few lemons in the crowd. You might want to avoid the 6.0 Fords which came in 12/02 until they changed engines. Had Ford studded the blocks and put a different head gasket in the engines, they would have been a great engine. Most of my knowledge is Ford, so others will have to address Duramax and Cummins.

What engine(s) are considered the best? I have never owned a diesel and don't know where to start to be honest. On Fords, hands down the old 7.3 engines are preferred for durability. And, there are some around in the hands of elderly RV'ers that are still low mileage.

I want a crew cab, fairly low mileage, leather seats, etc. not sure which trim package yet but it will be decked out or close to it. Anyway I'm just getting started, I'm very new to these trucks, and I will gladly take any and all advice. If the truck you find is not equipped like you want it, keep on looking. The stripped down trucks came out of construction companies or governments, and you don't want one of them. It's pretty easy to tell how a diesel truck has been maintained, but it doesn't hurt to spend an hour's labor having the engine and truck looked at by a professional diesel shop.

Oh yeah, GMC or Ford??? Ford sells more 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickups than Chevy, GMC and Dodge combined. Does that tell you something? The cabs and interiors are fantastic, and they just don't wear out. You hear that the GM Allison tranny is good--false. They will not hold up with heavy duty use or high horsepower applications.

Let me say just a couple things. The increasing cost of diesel fuel and oil changes the last 3 years has changed the playing field. Since the newest diesels' emissions tier changed, diesels simply don't get the fuel mileage they did 10 years ago. I have done an in depth analysis of purchasing a new 3/4 ton diesel truck vs. the same gasoline truck over 8 years/120K miles and taken all fuel costs, upkeep and depreciation into consideration. The gas engine will cost you about $7K less to run than diesel. The difference is with someone that is pulling a RV, heavy trailer or skidsteer loader/backhoe--who must run diesels. Modern gas engines are improving, and are favorable if you're towing 10K or less. But, diesels are sell on the used truck market very quickly--no matter the mileage.

Unless you're going to be pulling a very heavy trailer, stick with a gas truck. If you're going to be pulling under 10,000 pounds, stick with 1/2 ton truck with the towing package. If you're just going to be towing a few hundred miles per year, you don't need to go diesel. If you're a person that keeps a truck 10-15 years, a diesel can be a good value in a truck.

Just decide what your uses are for a truck, what equipment you need, and start looking on trucktraders.com and other internet sources for your truck. Remember to keep it a business decision, and keep your heart out of it.

I recently picked up mine (2008 f250 w only 26k miles on it). Got it from a private seller with the lift tires rims amp steps, etc, etic. Was a great price too. I like it and it pulls like a champ though I haven't pulled anything over 5k lbs yet... The 6.0s aren't "bad"...they have bad head gaskets, but if you get them done before the gasket blows I've heard good things abou tthem. i have the 6.4 and only bad thing I've heard about them is the radiators leak (yes, mine did)). I've had mine for about 7 months now and fell in love with it. I was going to resell it and make some $$$, but it is an awesome truck. The only thing I don't like is filling up the tank. Did the DPF and chip and all that stuff and still only get around 13mpg (hand calculated), but mine has the lift and all that crap all over it. Stock, i'm sure ou can see up to 18mpg with a steady foot. Good luck.

there is some great information in this thread

To those who recommended duramax, what more can you tell me? Is 100k mile still considered decent? What's the longevity etc.

there is some great information in this thread

To those who recommended duramax, what more can you tell me? Is 100k mile still considered decent? What's the longevity etc.

Try hard to find an 06-07 LBZ Duramax that hasn't been turned into a 3/4 ton ricer (racer). That means no chips, stock exhaust, etc. You can add all that later (chip; EFI Live is the best IMO, intake, exhaust) in addition to deleting the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and catalytic converter systems to improve economy further if you choose. 100,000 miles isn't much to worry about. I've personally seen Duramax's, Powerstrokes and Dodge Cummins trucks with over 300,000 miles on them. They will last if you take care of them. If you do look at one make sure to have an independent mechanic check it out. You might be looking at a tie rod replacement if they're worn out, probably shock absorbers, ball joints, transmission, differential, power steering and radiator fluid changes. I've always been a Ford guy, currently drive a Dodge (no complaints). I've never been a huge fan of GMC/Chevy but I wouldn't hesitate to drive an 06-07 Duramax at all.

Buy under 100k and keep it forever. Basic maint and they are 3-400k mile trucks.

Buy under 100k and keep it forever. Basic maint and they are 3-400k mile trucks.

that's my plan, which is why I'm trying to do a little homework. Looks like it's time to start looking and narrowing down the field. thanks for the help, I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get deeper into the search process

Im going to start looking at trucks in the next few months. I want something with good towing capacity and plenty of room. I have always been a GMC man, but I am considering the ford F250. I will be looking in the used market not at brand new trucks. Here are a few things I need to know:

What is an acceptable mileage for a moderately used truck? 100k miles seems like a lot but what kind of life expectancy can I expect from a diesel?

Are there any years/models to avoid? Seems every manufacturer has a few lemons in the crowd.

What engine(s) are considered the best? I have never owned a diesel and don't know where to start to be honest.

I want a crew cab, fairly low mileage, leather seats, etc. not sure which trim package yet but it will be decked out or close to it. Anyway I'm just getting started, I'm very new to these trucks, and I will gladly take any and all advice.

Oh yeah, GMC or Ford??? ;? :grin: :roll

I spent the better part of a year looking for a clean, low mileage crew cab diesel. I finally gave up in October of 2010, and bought sight-unseen a 2001 Ford F250 crew cab with the 5.4L, Lariat and leather package and 30,000 original miles in California and had it shipped to Boston. It was 25% the cost of a new diesel crewcab and 50% the cost of a used diesel crew cab from the same model year. Almost 30,000 miles and about 18 months later, she has not missed a beat. Kinda hard to argue with the math..

Im a Ford guy and that would be my choice hands down. The 150 with the 5.4 towing anything heavy and it will eat you out of house and home. My last 250 was a 2003 and it had the 6.0. I never once had an issue with it. Towed lots of heavy stuff across the hwy and local. Truck was a tank...got 16.7 local and 18.9 hwy hand calculated. Towing it would drop to 13-15 depending on the foot. Best dagum truck Ive ever owned. Sold it and wish I uad it back. Looking for another. Hands down Ford is far superior in interior and quality. I currently drive a chevy gasser...biggest POS Ive ever owned.

Also, Ford offers an Oasis report. You get the VIN of the truck youre interested in, have someone at Ford or on a Ford forum run it against the Oasis and it will tell you anything and everything aboutbthat truck and its history. Not sure if any ofbthe others have this, but I take VINs on the trucks Im serious about and ask for the report on each before ever getting a mechanic involved. That report alone will narrow your list rather quickly.

I spent the better part of a year looking for a clean, low mileage crew cab diesel. I finally gave up in October of 2010, and bought sight-unseen a 2001 Ford F250 crew cab with the 5.4L, Lariat and leather package and 30,000 original miles in California and had it shipped to Boston. It was 25% the cost of a new diesel crewcab and 50% the cost of a used diesel crew cab from the same model year. Almost 30,000 miles and about 18 months later, she has not missed a beat. Kinda hard to argue with the math..

If you bought a 5.4 F250, you did not have a need for diesel.

What will you be towing with whichever truck you choose? FWIW, Ford F250's will sag more with a load in them than a comparable GMC/Chevrolet 2500/Dodge 2500. Less leaf springs in the pack vs. Dodge/Chevy/GMC. Check the payload capacity on the trucks you're looking at.

What will you be towing with whichever truck you choose? FWIW, Ford F250's will sag more with a load in them than a comparable GMC/Chevrolet 2500/Dodge 2500. Less leaf springs in the pack vs. Dodge/Chevy/GMC. Check the payload capacity on the trucks you're looking at.

a boat eventually. Nothing larger than a 31, and probably a 26-28. How much does a 31 contender loaded with gear fuel ice etc weigh on the trailer?

when you gettin this boat

when you gettin this boat

i thought i was buying the truck and you were buying the boat? WTF?!? ;?

Mine is a 1999 F350 7.3 PSD with 260,000 miles. All stock. No problems to date except 1 rebuilt transmission at 180,000. Highway is 17mpg at 70mph. Towing is 15mpg.

i thought i was buying the truck and you were buying the boat? WTF?!? ;?

and you supply the fuel

a boat eventually. Nothing larger than a 31, and probably a 26-28. How much does a 31 contender loaded with gear fuel ice etc weigh on the trailer?

I'm going to guesstimate about 12k lbs on the trailer.

Have a 2005 F-250 since new. Dealer maintained since new. It now has 30,000 miles on it. The truck is a P.O.S. Google the F-250 front end death shake. Hit a bump over 50 MPH, and the front end Shakes Like A Dog Shittn Razor Blades ! Will tear the steering wheel out of your hands. Not kidding. Dealer will tell you it is a tire inflation problem. The Dealer rotated the tires and inflated them. Anybody with the same problem ? Google says MANY .
Had 2 Jap trucks with over 200,000 0n each, and never a problem.

As for the GM 6.6 group. The new fuel filter from GM with 1/2 micron will fill them all and really help in the injector area.
The Allison from 06 and up is a 6 speed with double od's. Also has the manual shift mode + and - button
on the shifter which will act like a paddle shifter. Also has the tow / haul button on the end of the shifter.
LBZ is 365 hp with 650 ft lbs of torque and pulls like a train.

Have a 2005 F-250 since new. Dealer maintained since new. It now has 30,000 miles on it. The truck is a P.O.S. Google the F-250 front end death shake. Hit a bump over 50 MPH, and the front end Shakes Like A Dog Shittn Razor Blades ! Will tear the steering wheel out of your hands. Not kidding. Dealer will tell you it is a tire inflation problem. The Dealer rotated the tires and inflated them. Anybody with the same problem ? Google says MANY .
Had 2 Jap trucks with over 200,000 0n each, and never a problem.


That death shake is no joke. I had a 2010 ford f250 gasser. It happened to me 3 times. First time it happened I thought I had a blow out. Scared the ever living $h/t out of me. When it happened the second and third time the steering wheel was ripped out of my hand. that is no joke. I decided that I couldnt take a chance with my kids in the car. Ended up selling it and getting a Chevy. Other than that the truck never gave me one problem. Not one. Sold it with 100,000 miles on it. Love the Ford interior and truck.

That death shake is no joke. I had a 2010 ford f250 gasser. It happened to me 3 times. First time it happened I thought I had a blow out. Scared the ever living $h/t out of me. When it happened the second and third time the steering wheel was ripped out of my hand. that is no joke. I decided that I couldnt take a chance with my kids in the car. Ended up selling it and getting a Chevy. Other than that the truck never gave me one problem. Not one. Sold it with 100,000 miles on it. Love the Ford interior and truck.

well...i don't like the sound of that. Sounds like I'll just stick with my tried and true GMC

alright question:

On GMCs website, they show that the 2500 with the 6.0L gas engine and the 4.10 rear axle can tow 13,000 lbs. The 6.6L duramax diesel can tow the same 13,000 lbs with a 3.73 rear axle.

Why shouldn't I consider the gas engine with a 4.10 rear axle ratio? Will this have significant effects on fuel economy (highway and towing)? I assume one of the major selling points of diesel trucks is that they last longer pulling loads than gas engines. anyway, why not a gas engine?

Have a 2005 F-250 since new. Dealer maintained since new. It now has 30,000 miles on it. The truck is a P.O.S. Google the F-250 front end death shake. Hit a bump over 50 MPH, and the front end Shakes Like A Dog Shittn Razor Blades ! Will tear the steering wheel out of your hands. Not kidding. Dealer will tell you it is a tire inflation problem. The Dealer rotated the tires and inflated them. Anybody with the same problem ? Google says MANY .
Had 2 Jap trucks with over 200,000 0n each, and never a problem.

Sorry that you've not found a good shop that knows PowerStrokes. I experienced the same shaking steering problem, and the Powerstroke forum indicated that new ball joints might be warranted. Tie rods in a F250/F350 are 2 piece, and they have an extra link. The joint was wallowed out in mine--easily seen when it was put on a lift. SuperDuty suspensions are just not very complicated, and good alignment shops are in every town. You should find one.

As far as the above posting about GM 3/4 tons with gas engines and a 4.10 gear. Yes, they will pull a load. Our son in law has one and he's never seen north of 11 mpg unloaded. He cannot afford to drive the thing, and he never pulls his fifth wheel RV more than 10 miles. Gas engines will realistically pull loads up to 10,000 lbs., however diesel is the way to go if you're pulling a load over 10K, like a skidsteer loader on a heavy trailer, a fifth wheel RV (12K-15K lbs) or a heavy boat. When the load goes over 12K, it's time to go dually chassis'.

I see some nice ford 250s with decent mileage but they have the 6.0L diesel. What preventative maintenance needs to be done to these trucks and what's a realistic projection of cost? I am referring to the rumored head gasket issues

I think I'm over gas engines after seeing several forums reporting terrible fuel mileage

While I'm on that subject, I have a 2011 civic that I will use as my daily driver. The truck will just be driven on weekends hauling the boat lumber dog etc. that's why I'm looking for something used. Thought I should clear that up!

alright question:

On GMCs website, they show that the 2500 with the 6.0L gas engine and the 4.10 rear axle can tow 13,000 lbs. The 6.6L duramax diesel can tow the same 13,000 lbs with a 3.73 rear axle.

Why shouldn't I consider the gas engine with a 4.10 rear axle ratio? Will this have significant effects on fuel economy (highway and towing)? I assume one of the major selling points of diesel trucks is that they last longer pulling loads than gas engines. anyway, why not a gas engine?

You'll get about 11 or 12mpg towing with the diesel, you'll be lucky to see 6mpg with the gasser. I just towed a 13,000lb cruiser from VA to the PA mountains for a friend of mine that owns a Ford/Lincoln dealer with my 3500 dually. Averaged 11.3 mpg and most of was uphill. He said he knows he didn't have a truck on his lot that would get the mileage my truck gets towing that boat. The other thing you get with the Duramax is the Allison transmission. About as bulletproof as you can get. My dually has over 191k and the only thing I've had serviced are brakes, fluids, tires and some front end parts. I park it on my driveway without worrying about leaks.

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i just switched from a 11 f250 with the 6.2 gasser to a 12 with the 6.7 diesel and i will never go back to gas.by far the nicest truck i have driven.on the death shake from what i have gathered new ball joints and or bushings fix the problem and its not just a ford thing.i had a 3/4 ton dodge do it to me once and 2 different chevys one a 3/4 and the other was a 1 ton new balljoints and bushings fixed the chevy.

Have a 2005 F-250 since new. Dealer maintained since new. It now has 30,000 miles on it. The truck is a P.O.S. Google the F-250 front end death shake. Hit a bump over 50 MPH, and the front end Shakes Like A Dog Shittn Razor Blades ! Will tear the steering wheel out of your hands. Not kidding. Dealer will tell you it is a tire inflation problem. The Dealer rotated the tires and inflated them. Anybody with the same problem ? Google says MANY .
Had 2 Jap trucks with over 200,000 0n each, and never a problem.

Lobsterman,
I have two Fords, and F250 with 200,000 miles and a F350 with 130,000. I have never experienced this so called death shake. My trucks are very well maintained, tires balanced and front end aligned etc. I have run my tires with 65-80psi in them and just have not had any issues. On the tires I get about 60-70k miles on the 4WD F250 and 90K miles on the F350, it's a dualie we use for deliveries. This must be a wear & tear issue with the front end components.

On the other hand, I have had issues with the 6.0 diesels on both. Both engines have had head gaskets, egr coolers, HPOP, oil cooler etc.

I'm very happy with the suspension, body and interior. My only issues have been the POS engine. If Ford would put a Cummins in the F250 they would have everybody beat.

Just my .02.

I'll describe this the best I can. I had a 6.0 escalade I used to tow with. I pulled my 290 sundancer with it. About 10k lbs on the trailer. Over rater but it would pull it.

The difference is, where the 6.0 gasser was working it's ass off to maintain speed, the diesel was just cruising along.

I'd get 8mpg with the gasser and 14mpg with the diesel and in the range, 6 mpg is the world. Not like 30mpg compared to 25mpg.

Lobsterman,
I have two Fords, and F250 with 200,000 miles and a F350 with 130,000. I have never experienced this so called death shake. My trucks are very well maintained, tires balanced and front end aligned etc. I have run my tires with 65-80psi in them and just have not had any issues. On the tires I get about 60-70k miles on the 4WD F250 and 90K miles on the F350, it's a dualie we use for deliveries. This must be a wear & tear issue with the front end components.

On the other hand, I have had issues with the 6.0 diesels on both. Both engines have had head gaskets, egr coolers, HPOP, oil cooler etc.

I'm very happy with the suspension, body and interior. My only issues have been the POS engine. If Ford would put a Cummins in the F250 they would have everybody beat.

Just my .02.
I can assure you, there is or never has been a wear and tear issue. This problem has been with the truck since new. The truck has been used to Haul my 100lb. Golden Retriever to the dog park. 7 year old truck with 30,000 miles on it. Dealer maintained since new.

I have owned many vehicles in my life. In the last 30 years I've owned about 30 different trucks, only one was a diesel. The one diesel was a 2002 Dodge with the 6-spd and it would run like a scalded dog. I didn't like how loose the front end felt, it felt sloppy, even after a front end alignment and new tires. The truck had 22k miles when I sold it and it felt sloppy from the start. The drivetrain was outstanding. Since then, I've had a few Ford's and GM's. The fords have been excellent trucks, all of them with the 5.4L. The engine runs good but there is always a lack of power. One of my Ford's had the 300-6 cyl, which I loved. I never experienced the "death wobble" from any Ford I owned. The GM's had the best gas motors. I had the 8.1L which gave the impression of a diesel. That motor would pull my mother-in-law away from an all you can eat food bar. Other than the excessive oil consumption and piston slap, I loved that motor. In all my GM's trucks, I noticed the WORST electrical system around. Stupid things like dash lights, accessory lights and radio lights would burn out W/O the option of changing a bulb. The HVAC system was by far, the worst system ever. On all my GM products, the HVAC controls worked sporadically. My personnel opinion of trucks is I prefer Ford trucks, but have noticed their motors are lacking and have trans issues. GM trucks have the best motors and tend to have excellent transmissions but possess lack luster electrical. Dodge, has decent motors, but seem sloppy and not overly impressed with the electrical systems. My opinions expressed do not encompass trucks newer than 2008. That's my .02, no change required.

Ive towed with a Ford F150 5.4 gas, F250 6.0 deisel, and a Chevy 5.7 gas. If you plan to tow on a regular basis, stick with deisel. Yes, a gasser will getbthe job done but at 6-8 mpgs hand calculated. Thats hand calculated in both my ford and chevy gasser and they both struggle to maintain reasonable hwy speed. Bring on a head wind and bridge and your damn near rolling backwards. I will never, ever in a million years own a gasser while I have to tow my boat or anything else. As soon as I find a.reasonably priced F250 deisel, Im swapping out. I enjoy towing my boat, it gives me many options of places to boat. Havng a gasser tow vehicle makes it downright miserable. With my deisel, you dont even know its back.there and you will almist forget youre even towing. I got 13-15 mpg with a heavy foot. If I was careful Im sure I would have gotten more but like.I said, having a deisel tow vehicle you dont even kniw youre towing really with anything under 26 feet. Dont waste your money on a gasser, youll be miserable. As forbthe death wobble, I used to tow hwy with a hugeenclosed trailer, loaded at 80 mph all day and night and never once had an issue. I also never had egr or head gasket issues and I.was running some serious tunes too. I flogged on that truck like a $2 hooker too. Maintenance is key. I kept up on recommened maintenance at the dealer. If youre going to use a tune, its worth the money to have a custom tuner builf your tunes to your truck specifically. Thats what I did and never had an issue. I knew guys along with my brother that had major.issues with canned tunes. Theyre junk IMO.